Why Russia Just Built A New Military Base In The Arctic

Why Russia Just Built A New Military Base In The Arctic
Russia's "Arctic Shamrock" can accommodate 150 people for 18-month tours.

Russia is giving the world a look at its new Arctic military base through an online virtual tour.

Known as the "Arctic Shamrock," the 14,000-square-mile, three-pointed base is now Russia's most northern permanent installation.

Since temperatures there can dip below -58 degrees Fahrenheit, the base is designed so soldiers can travel between buildings without going outside.

The Shamrock has a chapel, gym, movie theater, library and clinic, which is good because tours of duty there are said to be 18 months long.

Unsurprisingly, the base's military capabilities weren't highlighted in the virtual tour.

But the Shamrock represents increased interests up north. It's Russia's second Arctic air-defense base built during President Vladimir Putin's tenure.

Plus, the country is building an airstrip and four more military bases in the Arctic.

So why build in such a remote, desolate, ice-covered region? It's mostly about protecting economic interests.

The oil and natural gas reserves inside Russia's borders are quickly depleting. Because of that, the nation's economy relies heavily on oil and natural gas from the Arctic.

The good news for Russia is ice in the region is melting, which could make it easier to access those resources.

But aside from the environmental costs, the bad news is the area of the Arctic that Russia claims to own is expensive to mine.

On top of that, low crude oil prices worldwide have threatened Russia's Arctic profits.